National News

Disney TV Icon Annette Funicello Dies

Annette Funicello is dead. The famed Mickey Mouse Club member and star of 1960s teen beach movies such as "Beach Party" and "Beach Blanket Bingo" had been hospitalized in Bakersfield, California due to complications from multiple sclerosis, which she battled for years. Funicello was 70 years old.

She was born in Utica, New York before moving to California when she was four years old. Funicello was discovered at 12 years old by Walt Disney during a dance recital. She was then cast as one of the original Mouseketeers.